Opening night of Elastic Hearts at HOTA was nothing short of breathtaking — a dazzling collision of ballet, contemporary dance, and the raw, cinematic emotion of Sia’s music. From the moment the audience spilled into the foyer for cocktail hour, the energy was electric — a stylish buzz that promised something extraordinary.
By the time the curtain fell, that promise had been more than fulfilled, with the entire theatre leaping to their feet in rapturous applause that felt more like a concert encore than a ballet bow.
Choreographed and directed by Garry Stewart, Elastic Hearts is a visionary new work that redefines what dance can be.
Backed by a specially recorded orchestral score from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Sia’s haunting vocals and anthemic hits — including Elastic Heart, Chandelier, The Greatest, Bird Set Free, Unstoppable, and Cheap Thrills — became the pulse of an intensely emotional, sensory experience.
At the centre of Stewart’s creation is the commanding Gaia figure — a matriarchal force embodying creativity, resilience, and the cycles of life. Through her, the dancers channelled a universal story of connection and transformation. Every movement, from intricate hand gestures that hinted at sign language to explosive leaps and fluid duets, reflected Sia’s lyrical world of strength and vulnerability.
The choreography was fearless — inventive, purpose-driven, and deeply expressive. Each dancer, donning Sia’s signature blonde bob, felt like an extension of her spirit: powerful, eccentric, and unapologetically human. Their commitment to the music and to one another was palpable, especially in the complex partner work that seemed to breathe with the rhythm of the score.
One of the most jaw-dropping moments came during Chandelier, when real chandelier-shaped swings descended from the rafters. Dancers soared through the air — some swinging out over the audience — in a sequence that was divine. Gasps of wonder gave way to cheers as the theatre transformed into a shimmering dreamscape.
Stewart’s seamless blending of classical ballet precision with the freedom of contemporary movement created a cohesive, cinematic flow. The lighting and visual design painted shifting landscapes of emotion — from intimate introspection to full-blown euphoria — while Sia’s music provided the emotional scaffolding that held it all together.
Elastic Hearts is more than a dance performance — it’s an experience. It captures what makes both Sia and Queensland Ballet so compelling: fearless creativity, emotional honesty, and the power of art to connect us. As the final notes echoed, the audience rose again, cheering, clapping, many visibly moved — a testament to the show’s hypnotic hold.
With Elastic Hearts, Queensland Ballet and HOTA have set a new benchmark for innovation in Australian dance theatre. It’s a show that will leave you humming, teary-eyed, and utterly spellbound.
A triumphant, transformative celebration of music, movement, and the human spirit.
Now Playing until 8 November
HOTA, Gold Coast
All images Supplied.
The Fame Reporter 